To most people in Wisconsin, John Nygren is known as a leader in the State Assembly and a member of its Joint Finance Committee. But unbeknownst to many, he has struggled in private with his child's drug addiction. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that for the past several years, Nygren's daughter, Cassie, has been in and out of prison and rehab as a result of her heroin addiction. Nygren is now working to pass a series of bills through the Wisconsin Legislature that would help families in a similar situation.
According to the source, Nygren's legislation would:
- Allow narcotics to be dropped off at designated drug repositories
- Increase the number of first responders who can carry and administer Narcan, a medication used to counter opiate overdoses
- Provide immunity for people who seek emergency treatment for someone who has overdosed
- Require anyone who is picking up a prescription painkiller at a pharmacy to present identification.
Cassie Nygren told the source that she was proud that her father is willing to share their family's story in order help other families.
"I think that he's doing the right thing," she said. "And I know he's not doing it just to save me. He might have his personal reasons for it, but he's doing it to save everybody, and I know his heart is in the right place."
If you're the parent of a child struggling with addiction, now is the time to act. Contact Intervention Services today to learn how a professional interventionist can help your loved one.